The Buccaneers Season 2, Episode 4 Review: ‘Ice Cream’

The Buccaneers Season 2, Episode 4, “Ice Cream,” contemplates whether a fantasy can ever live up to expectations. This episode, written by Georgia Christou and directed by William McGregor, is similar to The Buccaneers Season 2, Episode 3, “Get Her Out,” in that it blurs and crosses the imaginary lines between fantasy and reality. Unfortunately, like the previous episode, this one continues to bring attention to the season’s setbacks.

There’s no denying that “Ice Cream” goes (literally, at times) to some compelling places and features some great performances. As good as they are, The Buccaneers struggles to find any strong roots when up against a breakneck pace. It’s less than ideal for that speed to collide with the show’s having a lot to say without not all that much to show for it.

Matchmaking’s Problems Emerge — Again

This season’s matchmaking storyline encapsulates all of that, for better and worse. Josie Totah delivers a fantastic performance in Mabel’s reaction to learning the truth. It’s a shame that the story doesn’t entirely earn it. The Buccaneers only introduces this element in “Get Her Out,” making it a question of whether Conchita will even go through with it. “Ice Cream” is a chance to let that storyline simmer, so that Conchita’s revealing Lavinia’s plan and Mabel’s reaction to it result from more interpersonal tension built with time. Instead, this storyline already moves to the fallout, with the bulk of the story and the characters’ choices in it occurring between this episode and the last. 

It’s frustrating because “Ice Cream” proves that Mabel will figure out the truth eventually. She’s even onto what’s happening between Lizzy and Theo! Why not let that matchmaking storyline breathe for a little longer? The speed at which it all unfolds is particularly striking in Mabel and Conchita’s confrontation – it’s bogged down with exposition. Every aspect of this story escalates off-screen, whether it be Cora’s match from “Get Out” being “the one” or multiple other women finding matches through Conchita and Richard. Knowing how much Cora’s match means to her and the financial impacts of future matches mean to Conchita and Richard, it’s a letdown not to see any of that happen on-screen. 

The (Italian) Fantasy Crumbles for Everyone

Alternatively, Seadown searching for Jinny off-screen aligns the audience with Jinny in the shock of seeing Seadown on the other side of the door. Barney Fishwick is nearly chilling because of how well he plays this part. Seadown’s gaslighting is on another level, and there’s even a slight glimpse of remorse that crosses Fishwick’s face when Seadown reflects on how his behavior will impact his relationship with his son. Likewise, Imogen Waterhouse is incredible in how she bottles all of Jinny’s emotions until Seadown leaves the room. This sequence is also when the idea of any Italian fantasy for Jinny, Nan, and Guy starts to crumble. It works to have Seadown be the inciting figure in that process.

As for Jinny, her saying, “It’s when you know that you can’t go home, it starts to feel like a prison,” all but explicitly states what she will do next. It’s concerning and upsetting, but “Ice Cream” tells the story so that Jinny’s choice to reach out to Seadown feels reflective of her options. Scarily, Seadown is now a part of a paradise that’s become a prison. (Hopefully, there will come a time when Seadown is held accountable for his pattern of abuse and manipulation.) It also feels reflective of Jinny’s self-blame and isolation — Jinny sees Nan as someone who can help, but she doesn’t want to jeopardize Nan and Guy’s happiness.

It’s all consistently complex, and it becomes stronger in juxtaposing Nan and Guy’s fantasy with Blanche and Reede’s reality. That editing helps the emotional impact when the bubble around Nan and Guy pops. Matthew Broome’s performance of Guy’s frustration and love coming together is compelling.

A New Love Triangle Takes Off — Too Fast?

That disappointment translates to the viewing experience when it comes to the topic of Nan’s advocacy work. Nan’s assertion that she must continue her work falls flat because The Buccaneers hasn’t shown any of it. The only glimpse of a Women’s Bill, on which Nan works with Hector, comes through a newspaper’s headline. Not only does that work against Nan, but it does the same for Hector, whose political work is a cornerstone of his character.

“Ice Cream” sets up a fundamental argument with Hector and Lizzy that originates from his dedication to his work, but it doesn’t translate because that passion remains mostly off-screen. Therefore, Hector’s frustration – well-performed by Jacob Ifan, by the way – and Lizzy’s reaction feel needlessly heightened. Stepping back from the work element, the argument isn’t satisfying for the couple because The Buccaneers has barely gotten to know Hector, let alone established Lizzy and Hector as a romantic pairing. 

Lizzy and Hector don’t have a chance to grow as characters or as a couple before The Buccaneers advances Lizzy and Theo. The direction and score suggest that Lizzy and Theo’s first kiss is a big moment, but it doesn’t erase the speed at which it occurs. They only really interact this season, and their dynamic doesn’t have time to evolve to this point. The result is one of confusion – none of these characters know each other well enough. Ideally, The Buccaneers will slow down to the characters’ benefit, but there are only four episodes left this season. 

MORE: Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Aubri Ibrag (Lizzy Elmsworth) and Jacob Ifan (Hector Robinson) about all things The Buccaneers Season 2!

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What did you think of The Buccaneers Season 2, Episode 4, “Ice Cream?” Let us know in the comments below!